§ Mr. BeithTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what services are provided by Thomas Cook (Philippines) Inc. to the British embassy in Manila; whether these arrangements involve payments by United Kingdom citizens to Thomas Cook (Philippines) Inc. in respect of visa applications; whether any Filipino citizens applying for entry visas to the United Kingdom have been advised by the embassy to seek the assistance of Thomas Cook (Philippines) Inc; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydThe British embassy in Manila has no official agreement with Thomas Cook (Philippines) Inc. to provide services either for officially funded travel or as a conduit for visa applications.
124WThomas Cook is one of over 300 travel and shipping agents permitted to lodge visa applications at the embassy. Any charge they make for their services is a matter for the company and not the British Government.
Inquiries are occasionally received asking whether attendance in person is necessary to obtain a visa. Frequent travellers are advised that their applications can be submitted through a recognised travel agent, but the British embassy does not encourage the specific use of Thomas Cook or any other individual travel agent.